Kadlec reveals Toon interest

Czech defender was a summer target for Magpies

Last updated: 1st September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Kadlec reveals Toon interest

Kadlec: Newcastle interest

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Michal Kadlec has claimed that Newcastle were interested in securing his services this summer.

The Sparta Prague defender has joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan for the season with a view to a permanent deal.

The Bundesliga side were not the only team interested in securing the left-back's services with Kevin Keegan's side making a bid.

But the Czech Republic international revealed that Leverkusen's desire to complete a swift deal persuaded him to join the German outfit.

Good feeling

Kadlec told Denik Sport: "Over the last days four clubs emerged. Apart from Leverkusen it was Newcastle, Dortmund and Hamburg.

"The negotiations with Bayer were fastest though. Even their coach (Bruno) Labbadia called me and I took their interest as very serious, I have a good feeling from the move.

"I don't mind at all that I am only loaned to Leverkusen. I will try to do my best and will fight hard to impress the club management to make my move permanent.

"If I don't win a permanent move, it will not break me down. I would just return to Sparta and kept on working hard."

Celtic

The talented left-back had been subject of much speculation in the last two seasons, and previously came close to joining Celtic.

He added: "It was when I played my first season at Sparta. I was very close to going there, we had dinner with coach (Gordon) Strachan.

"He told me he wanted me and I almost saw myself playing in Scotland then. Eventually, Sparta turned down the offer."